paul le quernec connects nursery in boulay without corridors

paul le quernec connects nursery in boulay without corridors
photo © 11h45
all images courtesy of paul le quernec architectes

the final stages of a nursery building in boulay, france have been completed by paul le quernec architectes. the childcare facility focuses on the safety and protection of its young occupants, incorporating fluid, curved forms, which almost completely eliminate sharp right angles within the scheme.

the building’s sweeping forms extend to the surrounding landscaping
photo © 11h45

the design team were able to take advantage of relaxed planning regulations in order to complete the project which features unconventional spatial organization. establishing a well connected and open environment, there are no internal hallways, with the 1000 square meters of floor space arranged around a central volume connecting all areas of the design. this tent-like structure is enclosed with a polycarbonate ceiling, allowing light into the scheme’s interior.

fluid curved forms limit sharp right angles within the scheme
photo © 11h45

exterior spaces are oriented to protect children from the sun, while the roof of the structure extends over the playground offering sheltered recreational space which can be used throughout the year. the submerged building is set back from the street, further fostering a feeling of security at the site, while a one-way road system is intended to limit accidents outside the nursery.

exterior spaces are oriented to protect children from the sun
photo © 11h45

constructed using conventional methods, insulated clay bricks form the skin of the building, before being coated and patterned with a specific motif. internally, double plasterboards are used for partition walls, while the same material has been chosen to line the ceilings, improving acoustic comfort. additionally, underfloor heating is used throughout the project.

see designboom’s coverage of paul le quernec’s ‘nursery in boulay’ as it was nearing completion here.

the building is set back from the street further fostering a feeling of security
photo © 11h45

a one-way road system is intended to limit accidents outside the nursery
photo © 11h45

the patterned façades continue internally 
photo © 11h45

the secluded main entrance to the nursery
photo © 11h45

the structure’s undulating exterior
photo © 11h45

the roof extends over the playground offering sheltered recreational space
photo © 11h45

large openings provide views out of the building
photo © 11h45